Indiana University Athletics
Seniors Lead Indiana into Final Home Game
10/20/2016 1:25:00 PM | Field Hockey
The Hoosiers’ 2016 class has cemented their legacy as leaders on and off the field
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The seniors didn't think that this day would arrive so quickly.
Indiana's 2016 senior class—Kate Barber, Morgan Dye, Malia Fujisawa, and Mollie Getzfread—have heard about this phenomenon at least three times before. In their last three seasons, they've cheered from the sidelines as class after class received recognition for the work they've put in, and they've shed tears as they watched their upperclassmen teammates leave the turf for the final time.
Now, it's their turn to receive the glory.
"It's come up so fast," said Dye, Indiana's senior in the wide midfield. "I kept thinking how far away that day was, and now we're here. It's crazy to think this is our last game at home, but it'll be so much fun. It's a great opportunity for us to want that win even more."
The day didn't sneak up on them; rather, they wanted to put such an emotional peak out of mind in order to focus on that particular week in practice, or a tough weekend slate on the road. Now, with their final game at the IU Field Hockey Complex knocking on the door, it's futile to consider thinking about anything else.
"Since we've been approaching our last couple weeks, I've been thinking more and more about the last four years," Fujisawa said. "I remember being a freshman, sophomore, and junior when approaching this week for those seniors, you're grateful for them and you're sad that they're about to leave. It's interesting to be in that position where it's your time, your last home game for Indiana. It'll be extra special."
Some would categorize this class as an "extra special" group as well. Kate Barber is nearing the end of a dream senior season, and she's one goal away from Indiana's single-season records for goals and points after spending half of the season as the top scorer in the NCAA. Mollie Getzfread totaled seven assists, along with her first career goal in the win over New Hampshire. But Mollie's work ethic and hustle play in the midfield goes beyond the stat sheet; and, in many cases, her clutch play goes beyond description.
"Mollie and Kate at the center of our midfield is crucial," said Indiana head coach Amanda Janney. "They're like our quarterbacks out there, running the tempo of the game, so it's important for their leadership to succeed."
Elsewhere, the mercurial rise of the senior players in the wings has been noteworthy. Both Morgan Dye and Malia Fujisawa returned after two years as support players to start every game for Indiana in 2015 and 2016. In the backfield, Fujisawa honed in on her ability to deliver in the clutch. With four defensive saves last season and a conference-leading five this year, Fujisawa is now third in Indiana's career defensive save records.
"I didn't come in with as much experience as other people, so it took me a while to learn the college game," Fujisawa said. "To this day, I'm still learning new things. As a team and a group, we've grown so far and come so far in this program. It's amazing to see how much we've grown and moved this program in four years."
Dye has done it all on and off the turf, winning the Tichenor Award for the highest GPA across IU Athletics while developing into one of the fastest players in the country. She's added seven goals and five assists to Indiana's successes since 2013, including a pair of each this year. As a flyer on the Hoosiers' defensive corner unit, Dye tests the limits of her quickness out of the cage as she rockets towards the apex of the circle. Dye works well in that role; she's helped Indiana stuff 37 of the last 38 opposing corner chances.
"Our biggest role in the team's success is our experience," Dye said. "We know that when the team is in a frantic state, it's our job to calm things down. We've been in these positions before; some of the freshmen haven't. We know how to play in stressful situations and manage the game, so providing that experience to everyone else is what we can bring."
Although emotions will run high on Friday afternoon, this senior class isn't resting on their laurels. The Hoosiers need this game over Ohio State to push above .500 in the Big Ten, before heading to face two top-five teams on the road next weekend.
This class believes their business remains unfinished, but why would that surprise anyone? To those who have experienced their rise through the last five years, it's clear that this group isn't ready to put down their sticks.
"We're sad to see them leave, but we're hoping the season extends for as long as possible," Janney said. "The seniors have made us really proud with their leadership and what they've given to the program. Knowing where they've come from and how much that group has improved the program to get us to another level, I hope they can leave feeling great about their contributions to the program, that they left this program in a better place."
Indiana's 2016 senior class—Kate Barber, Morgan Dye, Malia Fujisawa, and Mollie Getzfread—have heard about this phenomenon at least three times before. In their last three seasons, they've cheered from the sidelines as class after class received recognition for the work they've put in, and they've shed tears as they watched their upperclassmen teammates leave the turf for the final time.
Now, it's their turn to receive the glory.
"It's come up so fast," said Dye, Indiana's senior in the wide midfield. "I kept thinking how far away that day was, and now we're here. It's crazy to think this is our last game at home, but it'll be so much fun. It's a great opportunity for us to want that win even more."
The day didn't sneak up on them; rather, they wanted to put such an emotional peak out of mind in order to focus on that particular week in practice, or a tough weekend slate on the road. Now, with their final game at the IU Field Hockey Complex knocking on the door, it's futile to consider thinking about anything else.
"Since we've been approaching our last couple weeks, I've been thinking more and more about the last four years," Fujisawa said. "I remember being a freshman, sophomore, and junior when approaching this week for those seniors, you're grateful for them and you're sad that they're about to leave. It's interesting to be in that position where it's your time, your last home game for Indiana. It'll be extra special."
Some would categorize this class as an "extra special" group as well. Kate Barber is nearing the end of a dream senior season, and she's one goal away from Indiana's single-season records for goals and points after spending half of the season as the top scorer in the NCAA. Mollie Getzfread totaled seven assists, along with her first career goal in the win over New Hampshire. But Mollie's work ethic and hustle play in the midfield goes beyond the stat sheet; and, in many cases, her clutch play goes beyond description.
"Mollie and Kate at the center of our midfield is crucial," said Indiana head coach Amanda Janney. "They're like our quarterbacks out there, running the tempo of the game, so it's important for their leadership to succeed."
Elsewhere, the mercurial rise of the senior players in the wings has been noteworthy. Both Morgan Dye and Malia Fujisawa returned after two years as support players to start every game for Indiana in 2015 and 2016. In the backfield, Fujisawa honed in on her ability to deliver in the clutch. With four defensive saves last season and a conference-leading five this year, Fujisawa is now third in Indiana's career defensive save records.
"I didn't come in with as much experience as other people, so it took me a while to learn the college game," Fujisawa said. "To this day, I'm still learning new things. As a team and a group, we've grown so far and come so far in this program. It's amazing to see how much we've grown and moved this program in four years."
Dye has done it all on and off the turf, winning the Tichenor Award for the highest GPA across IU Athletics while developing into one of the fastest players in the country. She's added seven goals and five assists to Indiana's successes since 2013, including a pair of each this year. As a flyer on the Hoosiers' defensive corner unit, Dye tests the limits of her quickness out of the cage as she rockets towards the apex of the circle. Dye works well in that role; she's helped Indiana stuff 37 of the last 38 opposing corner chances.
"Our biggest role in the team's success is our experience," Dye said. "We know that when the team is in a frantic state, it's our job to calm things down. We've been in these positions before; some of the freshmen haven't. We know how to play in stressful situations and manage the game, so providing that experience to everyone else is what we can bring."
Although emotions will run high on Friday afternoon, this senior class isn't resting on their laurels. The Hoosiers need this game over Ohio State to push above .500 in the Big Ten, before heading to face two top-five teams on the road next weekend.
This class believes their business remains unfinished, but why would that surprise anyone? To those who have experienced their rise through the last five years, it's clear that this group isn't ready to put down their sticks.
"We're sad to see them leave, but we're hoping the season extends for as long as possible," Janney said. "The seniors have made us really proud with their leadership and what they've given to the program. Knowing where they've come from and how much that group has improved the program to get us to another level, I hope they can leave feeling great about their contributions to the program, that they left this program in a better place."
Players Mentioned
Defender/Midfield
/ Field Hockey
Forward/Midfield
/ Field Hockey
Defender
/ Field Hockey
Defender/Midfield
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